I'll steal Gao Qiu's life and lead the Song Dynasty to prosperity.

The afternoons at Ciyuan Hall are always exceptionally quiet.

Empress Dowager Xiang leaned back on her pillow, holding a string of sandalwood prayer beads in her hand, listening with her eyes half-closed as the lady-in-waiting read the Lotus Sutra.

While listening to the chanting,

Suddenly, soft footsteps sounded outside the hall, along with a eunuch's hushed announcement.

"Your Majesty the Empress Dowager, His Highness Prince Duan has come to pay his respects."

Empress Dowager Xiang opened her eyes and smiled. Although Zhao Ji was not her biological son, Empress Dowager Xiang had always doted on him.

"Let him in."

The curtain was lifted, and Zhao Ji walked in.

Today he wore a moon-white robe embroidered with silver cloud patterns, with a mutton-fat jade belt around his waist, and his hair was neatly tied with a jade crown, which made him look even more handsome.

Holding a brocade box in her hands, she greeted the guests with a smile in her eyes.

"Your subject greets Your Majesty."

"Get up quickly." The Empress Dowager beckoned him to sit on the edge of the kang (heated brick bed). "What brings you here today? Didn't you say you wanted to copy Li Gonglin's 'Five Horses' painting?"

"It's finished, and I've brought it here for Your Majesty's appraisal." Zhao Ji opened the brocade box, took out a scroll of painting, and carefully unfurled it.

Empress Dowager Xiang was most fond of Zhao Ji's paintings.

This painting is a line drawing of five horses, each in a different pose, some with their heads down drinking water, others with their heads raised and neighing. The lines are smooth and vigorous, and the ink tones are just right.

Although it doesn't quite capture the natural charm of Li Gonglin's original work, it still captures some of its essence, especially the brushstrokes for the horse's tail and mane, which demonstrate considerable skill.

Empress Dowager Xiang leaned closer to examine it closely, and after a long while, she nodded.

"You've improved. The muscles and bones of this chestnut horse are especially well drawn." She pointed to a horse pawing at its hooves in the painting, "It's so lifelike."

Zhao Ji laughed.

"Your Majesty has a keen eye. I practiced riding this horse three times, but I always felt it was lacking something. Later, I went to the Imperial Stables to see the real horse and finally understood its spirit."

"That's right." Empress Dowager Xiang looked at Zhao Ji with a smile.

"You can't paint or write calligraphy in isolation. You have to observe and study a lot. The ancients said, 'Learn from nature,' and that's the principle."

"Your subject will remember." Zhao Ji put away the painting, and then took out a small jade ornament from the brocade box. "This is a jade amulet from the Tang Dynasty that I acquired the other day. Please take a look, Your Majesty."

The jade amulet was no bigger than the palm of one's hand, made of bluish-white jade, with simple and ancient carvings. The beast's body was curled up, its head and tail connected, and its expression was simple and cute.

Empress Dowager Xiang took it, examined the jade's color against the light, and stroked the carving, nodding in approval.

"It's a Tang Dynasty artifact. The patina is natural and smooth. What's rare is its spirit. Although it's a small trinket, it exudes the carefree spirit of the Tang Dynasty."

"Your Majesty is truly an expert. Your son only accepted it because it looked so good."

The two talked for a while about jade, calligraphy and painting, from Tang Dynasty jade carving to Song Dynasty landscape painting, from Su Shi, Huang Tingjian, Mi Fu and Cai Xiang to the painting academy of the present dynasty.

Although Empress Dowager Xiang lived in the deep palace for a long time, she came from a prestigious family and had studied and practiced calligraphy since childhood, and was quite accomplished in the arts and literature.

Emperor Huizong often gained inspiration from his conversations with her.

As he spoke, Zhao Ji suddenly sighed softly.

"What's wrong?" Empress Dowager Xiang noticed keenly. "Why are you sighing all of a sudden?"

Emperor Huizong lowered his eyes, his fingertips caressing the jade amulet, his voice lowered.

"It's nothing. It's just... sometimes I feel that although Bianjing is a big city, there are very few people who can truly understand me."

Empress Dowager Xiang looked at him.

"With so many brothers and sisters in the palace, and so many talented men in the Imperial Academy and the Painting Academy, how can you not recommend them?"

"Brothers and sisters are naturally close, but when it comes to arts and literature, they are always a little lacking." Zhao Ji shook his head.

"The students at the Imperial Academy are either trembling with fear or spouting Confucian classics; the court painters are mostly craftsmen. Those who can truly connect on the subject of epigraphy, calligraphy, and painting, and inspire each other..."

He paused, his voice even softer.

"Almost none."

He looked up at the Empress Dowager, his eyes filled with the pure melancholy of a young man.

"Your subject recently read 'A Record of Famous Paintings Through the Ages,' and saw that the ancients often exchanged poems with close friends. You would give me a painting, and I would inscribe a poem on it. Only through this back and forth could one improve one's art. But nowadays... most of our friends are just for social purposes. When it comes to true enjoyment, there is always a layer between us."

These words were so sincere that Empress Dowager Xiang remained silent for a moment before reaching out and patting the back of his hand.

"You are a prince, of noble status, and others will inevitably be reserved. Take your time, and you will surely find one or two kindred spirits."

Emperor Huizong smiled bitterly.

"Your Majesty is right, but I have been searching for so many years, and only recently have I encountered one..."

He paused, as if carefully considering his words.

"Oh?" Mrs. Xiang became interested. "Whose son is it that has caught your eye?"

"He's a student at the Imperial Academy, named Zhao Mingcheng." Zhao Ji's tone was casual, as if he were just mentioning it offhand. "He's from the Zhao family."

"Zhao Tingzhi's son?" Empress Dowager Xiang thought for a moment. "I've heard of him. I heard he came out on top in the Imperial Academy's private examination a while ago?"

"Indeed." Zhao Ji nodded, his eyes shining. "This young man is not only the top student at the Imperial Academy, but also excels in classics, history, and policy essays. Even His Majesty has praised him personally. What's rare is that he can engage in repeated discussions with me on matters of epigraphy, calligraphy, and painting, often offering insights that others have not expressed. I have spoken with him several times and benefited greatly from it."

He spoke sincerely, and the Empress Dowager listened and nodded slightly: "If that's the case, then he is indeed a good friend."

"That's what I think too," Zhao Ji said, pressing his advantage. "My interactions with him go beyond literature and art. He's well-read and knowledgeable, often discussing the ways of the sages and practical economic matters. Listening to him makes my reading even more enjoyable." He paused, then added...

"Outsiders say that I only know how to enjoy myself, but now that I have such a diligent and ambitious student as my friend, doesn't this also demonstrate the imperial clan's tradition of being close to talented people and guiding them towards goodness?"

This is a clever way of putting it, elevating personal interactions to the level of royal image.

A hint of approval flashed in the Empress Dowager's eyes, but she did not respond immediately.

Emperor Huizong observed the expressions on the man's face and sighed again.

"However... he is in the Imperial Academy, where the discipline is extremely strict. If I were to invite him even once, it would require special permission from the Chancellor, which would be quite troublesome. I also fear that frequent invitations would interfere with his studies and become a sin."

He lowered his eyes, his fingertips unconsciously tracing the patterns on the kang table, his voice carrying just the right amount of helplessness.

"Therefore, after much deliberation, I wonder if Your Majesty may grant me the grace to speak to the Emperor about this matter. It need not be special, but merely a 'routine,' such as allowing Zhao Mingcheng to visit the residence for two days every ten days. I can then discuss literature and art with him, and secondly..."

He looked up, his eyes clear and bright.

"Your subject is thinking of compiling a catalog of the books, paintings, and inscriptions in the collection of the mansion, so that it can be consulted in the future."

"These collections were mostly bestowed by my father and elder brother, or accumulated by me over the years. They are scattered and not systematic."

"Since Zhao Mingcheng is proficient in this field, could we ask him to assist in the collation and organization? This would be beneficial to the public, as it would allow us to organize the imperial collection; to the private, it would provide me with a good friend to exchange ideas with; and to him, it would be invaluable practical experience. It would be a win-win-win situation."

Empress Dowager Xiang listened quietly, turning the prayer beads one by one in her hand, her thoughts drifting as well.

Emperor Huizong of Song was intelligent from a young age, but he was also carefree and disliked politics, preferring literature and art.

Empress Dowager Xiang sometimes worried that Zhao Ji would become obsessed with frivolous pursuits and lose his ambition; at other times, she felt that being born into an imperial family and having a genuine hobby was a blessing.

Now, listening to Zhao Ji's words, every sentence makes sense, yet every sentence reveals his caution.

It's not about seeking special privileges or making a fuss; it's about "compiling a catalog" and "collating and organizing," which sounds like a serious matter. Half a day every ten days wouldn't be excessive.

More importantly, Zhao Mingcheng did indeed seem like a good boy: the top student at the Imperial Academy, praised by the Emperor, and even able to guide Emperor Huizong in his studies...

Empress Dowager Xiang raised her eyes and carefully examined Zhao Ji.

Zhao Ji's face showed expectation, but also a hint of grievance.

This reminded Empress Dowager Xiang of how Zhao Ji wanted a pony when he was a child, but dared not say it directly, so he beat around the bush and talked about the great principle of "practicing riding and archery to strengthen the body".

Empress Dowager Xiang smiled and reached out to tap Zhao Ji's forehead.

"You've gone through all this trouble, aren't you just looking for another playmate?"

Emperor Huizong blushed, but did not deny it.

"Your Majesty, I dare not lie to you. We do indeed get along well, and I do indeed want to do something worthwhile."

"Compiling a catalog is a good thing," Empress Dowager Xiang said slowly. "Many of the paintings, calligraphy, and inscriptions in your residence were bestowed by the late Emperor and your elder brother. Organize them and compile a catalog so that you can answer the Emperor's questions in the future."

The Empress Dowager paused for a moment.

"Zhao Mingcheng sounds like a suitable candidate. He is the top student at the Imperial Academy and is appreciated by the Emperor. Associating with him would certainly demonstrate that our imperial family is close to talented individuals."

A light shone in Zhao Ji's eyes.

"However," Empress Dowager Xiang changed the subject, "there are a few things you must remember."

"Your Majesty, please speak."

"First, our interactions should be limited to academic and artistic pursuits." The Empress Dowager's expression became more serious.

"Zhao Mingcheng is the son of an official and a talented student at the Imperial Academy. His future lies in the court. You must not be willful and ruin his future. You must not overstep your bounds and discuss matters that should not be discussed. Even if I don't say this, His Majesty will say it eventually."

Zhao Ji said solemnly.

"Your subject understands. Your subject only discusses calligraphy, painting, and epigraphy with him, occasionally touching upon classics and history, but never touching upon court politics."

The Empress Dowager nodded.

"Secondly, taking it out for two days every ten days is already an exception. You must know your limits and not push your luck. If you take it out for half a day today, a whole day tomorrow, and then take it out of the city the day after tomorrow, I will be the first to not forgive you."

"Your subject dares not."

"Third," the Empress Dowager looked at him, her gaze kind yet profound, "you are a prince, and he is a subject. No matter how well you get along, you must remember your place. Do not be too close and lose your decorum; nor be too casual and let others look down on you."

Emperor Huizong bowed solemnly: "Your subject will remember Your Majesty's teachings."

Empress Dowager Xiang then smiled.

"In that case, I will mention this matter to His Majesty. Under the pretext of 'assisting Prince Duan in organizing the treasured paintings and calligraphy of the imperial collection for the benefit of scholars,' I will issue a gentle edict to the Imperial Academy."

"It's not exactly a forced order, but rather a statement that this is a legitimate matter recognized by the palace. This way, it's easier to explain to the Imperial Academy, and you've achieved your goal."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Ji's face lit up with joy, and he reminded the Empress Dowager.

"Try it for a period of time first. If it works, continue; if it doesn't work, stop it immediately."

"Thank you for your grace, Your Majesty!" Upon hearing this, Zhao Ji bowed deeply to the ground. "Your subject will certainly behave himself and not cause Your Majesty or my elder brother any trouble!"

"Get up." Empress Dowager Xiang shook her head with a smile. "You're such a grown man, yet you act like a child." She handed the jade amulet back to him. "Keep this safe. Tang jade is rare; don't let it get damaged."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Emperor Huizong took the box, carefully put it back in the brocade box, and chatted with her for a while. When he saw that Empress Dowager Xiang looked tired, he got up and took his leave.

As he walked out of Ciyuan Hall, the setting sun was just right. Zhao Ji walked briskly, a smile playing on his lips.

"Zhao Mingcheng..." he murmured the name, his smile deepening.

What a wonderful person.

With him around, the days ahead will be much more interesting.

Inside the Ciyuan Hall, Empress Dowager Xiang leaned against a pillow, closing her eyes to rest.

The lady-in-waiting asked softly, "Your Highness, would you like to rest?"

Empress Dowager Xiang shook her head and suddenly asked.

"Do you think Prince Duan genuinely wants to compile a catalog, or is he just looking for a playmate?"

The female official hesitated: "This servant dares not presume to know..."

Empress Dowager Xiang laughed as she listened.

"Perhaps both are true. That boy, Shiyilang, is clever from a young age and knows how to speak in a way that will get me to agree."

"However, if Zhao Mingcheng is truly as Prince Duan says, an upright and ambitious person, that would be a good thing. It's better than him spending all his time with those actors and entertainers."

"Your Majesty is wise."